The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed extending the deadline for the traceability rule (Section 204) under the Food Safety Modernization Act until July 2028. The rule was to go into effect in 2026, but FDA is allowing more time for the industry to comply based on the complexity of the rule. The extension only relates to implementation. There are no proposed changes to the rule itself. Growers should take this time to discuss with their buyers how traceability will be implemented. This is a very involved rule so do not wait until the last minute to start developing your system which meets all the provisions.
